Are you a Glossophobic?

Glossophobia from: Archana’s Blog

Have you ever experienced the moment when you had to speak in front of a crowd and your heart starts to pound like crazy, your hands get all sweaty, your legs get shaky and you seem to lose all train of thoughts? If so, then you are not alone! According to many studies, glossophobia, or stage fright, is one of the most common phobias. As many as three out of four people are affected by it. Let’s go over the symptoms in detail and the techniques to overcome this phobia!

Glossophobia can be very fearful to people it afflicts, more frightening than even death itself. According to Barbara Fish, the fear may happen anywhere at any time. For example, it can happen in the educational settings when students pray that the teacher don’t call on them to answer questions.  Also, it can happen in the workplaces when employees have to make presentations to their superiors. The thought of speaking in public can leave us frozen with fear. It can even cause us to miss out on many academic, social, and career opportunities.

Symptoms of Glossophobia

The symptoms of glossophobia are in three primary groups: physical, verbal, and non-verbal. Once you realize the symptoms, you have a higher chance of overcoming it.

Symptoms of Glossophobia from: Sarah Atlee Makes Pictures

Physical symptoms:
-increased heart beat
-increased blood pressure
-dilated pupils
-increased perspiration and oxygen intake
-stiffening of neck and upper back muscles
-dry mouth
-increased sweating tendency

Verbal symptoms:
-tense or quivering voice
-repetition of um’s and ah’s

Non-verbal symptoms:
-frequent fidgeting
-wiping hands on pants
-avoiding eye contact

Symptoms may vary depending on the person. In a mild case, a person may simply feel anxious and uncomfortable about the idea of having to speak in front of a crowd. However, in a severe case, a person may become so nervous that they feel sick or even vomit from stress. These symptoms cause people to fear public speaking and to avoid it whenever possible.

Techniques to Improve your Speaking Skills

Like T.J. Walker, the author of “How To Give A Pretty Good Presentation,” has mentioned in the video above, there are various techniques you can use to overcome glossophobia for people who have a strong will. Here are the key methods:
–Be prepared for your speech. Some people believe that preparation and practice are the keys to success. You should never read off from your notes when giving your speeches. You should know it so well that you can speak without having to think of what’s next.
–Make eye contact with the audience. Most people think that if they do this, it will make them more nervous. However, it turns out that this technique will make you more comfortable and relaxed as you see people smiling and nodding.

Hayoung Nam